11 Biodegradable Materials That Will Save The Planet

Saving the planet has been a tough topic of conversation for a long time now. With a growing number of people actively trying to make a difference, by cutting down on their plastic waste.

If your not one those people, then read our list of biodegradable materials that will save the planet.

How Is Biodegradable Material Useful?

Biodegradable materials can break down in a natural environment without leaving toxins.

And although this is not always the case, it does cause less harm than non-biodegradable products on the market.biodegradable container

Overall biodegradable materials, beat traditional plastic materials in many ways:

  • More eco-friendly
  • Uses less energy to create
  • Reduces greenhouse gases
  • Decrease the amount of trash in landfills
  • Creates fewer toxins

You may have read that biodegradable synthetic materials aren’t good for the environment in any aspect. And if you look at what the “terms and conditions” biodegradable materials need live up to, then it’s not good at all.

But, I have found some hope which, I would like to share with you in this content.

11 Biodegradable Materials You Must Use

Although most biodegradable materials still cause harm to the environment. There are some biodegradable materials you should be using:

1) Bamboo

The versatile and natural material can grow rapidly in many different conditions. Not only this, but it can be produced on a vast scale.Bamboo forest

The plant helps with the process of reducing greenhouse gases while it grows. And any waste that comes from making a product can be used as fertilizer.

You might surprised what you can build with bamboo:

  • Pens
  • Cutlery
  • Bicycles
  • Roads
  • Toothbrushes

2) Bamboo Straws

These straws are made with 100% biodegradable materials and make a very nice alternative to their plastic cousin.

The straws can be easily discarded and left to biodegrade. But, if chucking things away isn’t your thing, you also have the option of cleaning it out and using next time. Unlike the biodegradable paper version.Bamboo Straw

Not only do they look pretty cool, but they also save animals from choking on plastic. Overall it has tremendous environmental benefits.

This might be personal, but anything that looks good and can save the environment is great for me.

3) Cork

Cork has amazing biodegradability qualities and is also completely reusable; That’s two birds with one stone.

The production of cork also helps to lower the number of greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere every day.Cork tree

What people don’t know of is its fireproofing qualities, and how it’s used for forest fire prevention. Cork has many other qualities, including:

  • Building foundations
  • Fire-resistant house bricks
  • Home insulation
  • Reduces the need for screw-top wine bottles

4) Biodegradable Cutlery

Biodegradable cutlery has massively increased in quality in recent years. Everyone is trying to find new and environmentally friendly options for biodegradable cutlery.

Here are a few materials people are trying out:Biodegradable Cutlery

  • Bamboo
  • Seaweed
  • Avocado

An increasing amount of biodegradable waste is building up. Mainly due to biodegradable plastic process not doing what it said it would.

5) Mycelium

This fungus can be turned in to building materials, which are surprisingly durable considering what it’s made from.

It is made with 100% biodegradable material and feeds on dead organic matter to grow.Mycelium structure

The organic material can grow at a rapid rate and can help to reduce greenhouse gases that get emitted into our atmosphere.

Not only is it easy produce it also comes with a low cost, but it also has several other attributes:

  • Fireproof
  • Non-toxic
  • Can be used as a fiberglass alternative

6) Biodegradable Water Bottle

Water bottles have been building up in the ocean for years and years. And with peoples need for their convenient bottle of water, things aren’t getting better.

Plastic has been killing our marine life and infecting our food for too long now.plastic water bottle near the ocean

Luckily, a company called Clove have seen an opportunity and wanted to share it. They recently released the first biodegradable water bottle.

To make things even better, it can be reused; although not for long it’s biodegradable after all.

7) Seaweed

Companies have been looking for a new biodegradable packaging that’s not only eco-friendly, cost-effective.

Seaweed plastic is made with nothing but, plant-based materials, which means it’s completely biodegradable.Seaweed

This synthetic plastic can completely dissolve in warm water, leaving no harmful chemicals behind, and it boasts a shelf life of two years.

If you’re wondering if it has any other benefits:

  • It can be used as insulation, which can last 150 years
  • It can make building bricks
  • It’s fireproof

8) Biodegradable Trash Bags

Although we give biodegradable plastic a tough time, it is a step in the right direction. It helps in waste reduction after all.

In fact, it has a few other good points:

  • It’s more energy-efficient to make than traditional plastic.
  • It uses slightly less harsh chemicals.
  • It’s the better option than traditional plastic

Biodegradable Trash BagsIn fact, the best biodegradable trash bags have seen a lot of advancements in the last few years. People are finding natural materials to make plastic from to:

  • Reduce carbon dioxide
  • Cut down on biodegradable waste
  • Eliminate “biodegradable” plastics

9) Hemp

It must have been a sign when the production of hemp became legalized in many states. Hemp can be grown in some seriously adverse conditions.

Add that with it being amazingly versatile; the number of uses is amazing:

  • Bio-fuel
  • Clothes
  • Plastic
  • Paper
  • Cooking oil
  • Medicine

Hemp

Hemp has a perfect chance of stopping the deforestation problems as it has the ability to make good grade paper without having to chop down trees.

If you read my previous article, you’d understand the effect paper is having on the world.

10) Biodegradable Pens

Biodegradable pens are great to show people your environmental awareness. Every day thousands of disposable plastic pens are discarded. Killing thousands of animals along the way.Plastic pens

Made with biodegradable materials you’re pen will leave no traces and more importantly, no toxin in the environment.

With the sign of a global waste problem due to synthetic plastics getting closer, it’s good to see little things like this being released.

11) Avocado

Recently a company in Mexico worked out how to turn the biodegradable material into plastic. When the plastic material has been disposed of, it will naturally biodegrades, leaving no trace.Avocado

In terms of versatility, it really is exceptional, not only is it safe for the environment, but it can be crafted into several products:

  • Straws
  • Cutlery
  • Pens
  • Plates
  • Container

That’s my complete list of biodegradable materials that will save the world. If you like to read our content, then don’t forget to like/share us on Facebook to get regular updates.

Don’t forget to comment below if we’ve missed your favorite biodegradable materials. And while you’re at it you might as well check out my list of recyclable items, some of them might surprise you.

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